2013 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships

1. Baltimore Ravens (+8) vs. NE – The Patriots should win this game, but it’s not going to be in blowout fashion like their game vs. the Texans a week ago. The Ravens have become a resilient team and are as healthy as they’ve been for some time.

QB Joe Flacco and Co. are making plays and the defense is still pretty stingy in terms of points allowed.

The Patriots have adjusted to life without star TE Rob Gronkowski so that won’t be as big of a loss as a year ago, but expect the Ravens to make this a close contest until the end and cover thepoint spread.

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2. San Francisco 49ers (-4) vs. Atl – This will be a lot closer early on than most think. QB Colin Kaepernick-mania is in full effect after his impressive showing a week ago, but things will be different in the noisy dome. DC Mike Nolan will also scheme to take away some of his effectiveness running the ball.

The Falcons offensively match up pretty well in the passing game, but in the end it won’t matter. The 49ers massive offensive and defensive lines will control this game and San Francisco will wear Atlanta down in the 2nd half and win by 7-10 points.